Some, yes. When it's continual/constant and positive advice is mostly ignored. The sympathetic attention becomes like their medication and they wallow in it. But it doesn't fix the [i]underlying [b]core[/b] issue[/i], and it becomes a cycle.

i think sw has become a safe haven for a lot of people who struggle with self image and mental issues. sometimes it’s a crutch, perhaps. but i don’t think it’s for attention more than any other post on this site

I think there are probably some who do that, but I also think that there are a number of people who are going through tough times and really need the support and reassurance they can get from others here. I prefer to give the benefit of the doubt....it doesn’t hurt me, and I’d rather be wrong thinking someone needs my support than be wrong accusing someone of being an attention hound.
(In a sense, isn’t everyone who posts here seeking attention of some sort, though?)

Maybe validation, but not because they're consciously seeking it for attention and ego boost but because they need it just to feel okay.

Maybe, it’s easy to find comfort in misery. But I feel it’s wrong to assume someone is fishing for sympathy without knowing the situation they’re in. I’m saying this because I’ve been accused of doing that and those comments embarrass me to this day lol

[c=#7700B2]I have been accused of that several times now and as im sure some may do that, I don't put myself down to get attention here. I do it because I believe it.. in saying that it isn't like I don't try getting attention here, because I do.. but not in that way[/c]

It could be because they are feeling really down or have depression issues.

Or it could be because they don't know how to change. And like to have some attention.

I'd say each case is different

Yea I think a lot of people use it as an excuse to not work on themselves too

Perhaps they’re just looking for a little validation and acceptance. Depression and anxiety tend to be very isolating and harmful to one’s self esteem. Seeking out others who understand and/or help you see that those ugly things your brain is telling you aren’t really true is a very real coping mechanism. And a primarily anonymous forum like this is a mostly safe place to seek that support.

Some, I suppose,makes me have more compassion not less...going to extremes for attention indicates something lacking in thier self esteem.
Like no matter how many times they are told the opposite they have to be constantly reassured.
Not a fun way to live, I imagine.

Yes, to some degree. They also use that as an excuse to not improve.

Sometimes those thoughts are on loop inside your brain, and saying them out loud (or writing them) gives a temporary reprieve. And yes, hearing from other people that they aren’t true helps to defuse them a little bit too, at least for a little while.

Everyone has his or her reasons for being here and yes that seems to be a popular one.

A lot of people here are starving. Their life is or has been populated with those who would rather knock them down than lift them up and it’s hard to believe you’re worth anything else when those are the only voices you hear. Whether they’re just venting the struggle or making an abject play for sympathy, hearing a different voice makes the void less empty.

Yes. I see how some people treat other's on here, and then when that happens to them, they get all upset about it. I believe it is karma, you get what you give, and they just don't seem to understand that.

maybe. i think im a piece of shit but i don't go around shouting it from the mountain tops.

I do think [i]some[/i] people do this, you're right. But others definitely have an issue that can't be overcome with positive thinking alone.

As long as it’s not Munchausen syndrome by proxy I just think they’re lonely and need answers to questions they need solidifying to

Sure. Every single person who posts here is seeking attention...some people want sympathetic attention, some want to be adored, some want validation for their skills/talents/opinions, some want reactions and some want conflicts...from anyone or from certain someone...and they all have their own way of getting it and some are better at it than others😂

I try not to get too judgemental.

I put myself down before other people do. I love beating people to the punch. :p

Shocked 😱😱

I know there are times in life when some support is needed. Sure there is often a very obvious attempt to get attention here but I am fine with that.

Sometimes, I mostly assume that when it's constant and seemingly without end.

In my personal experience it is the people that we often depend on put us in those places. Coming on here we seek validation, advice, any way to feel less shitty about ourselves. This place is a shelter for when we fall, or worse when the real world around ourselves forces us when there nobody there to come here. Getting attention on here is properly saving them from pointing a gun to the side of their head and blowing their own brains out.

Or maybe they actually are down and are looking for support..

Happens a lot, and just not here.. In the end we are all attention whores to some degree

I'm sure they sometimes do. Sometimes we can help and sometimes we can't

Of course

That seems to be a same around here. I have got to the point that I just ignore the questions and move on.

Yep.

I don't buy into it yo

I suppose even off the whimpernet people use it as a bit of an icebreaker, gets a bit of friendly banter going.

Perhaps or they really think that little of themselves and hate themselves that much

[c=#4C0073]perhaps yes .. while some others may be having some serious mental meltdown .. cant say for sure[/c]

I'm not smart enough for that. oh wait I just did it lol

what other reason is there?

Sure. Just like real life.

Yes, but not all the negativity is about attention. Some seems real.

Yeah I think many people do that.

Some do 😡😘

Definitely.

Maybe 🤷

Sometimes